12 Simple Steps to Effective Websites

[QuirkyJessi]

I subscribe to the SiteProNews newsletter and this is from an issue a couple weeks ago. I can't find a copy on their main site, so that's the best sourcing I can do. If you don't already subscribe, consider it!

The 12 steps are pretty simple, but are often overlooked or are easily forgotten about.

Effective websites should include the following:

1. Your website needs to focus on a specific niche.

2. You need to do keyword research and although Google no longer gives weight to Meta keywords some of the other major search engines still do.

3. Your website should have the main keyword used throughout and each page should be written around 5-10 keywords that are tightly focused on that particular page's topic.

4. Content is still King. Well written, focused content is crucial.

5. Meta titles need to include your keywords.

6. Organization of content should include headings and subtitles to make it easy for readers to scan the pages. Be sure to include your keywords in these headings as well.

7. Most people on the web are looking for information. If you don't give them anything of value or entertain them, they will be gone, probably for good.

8. Use keywords in links whereever possible.

9. Include a call to action and, if possible, provide a Free tríal. You have to build trust before you can make a sale.

10. Check your website in various browsers (FireFox, Internet Explorer, etc.) to make sure it displays equally well in all.

11. Your personality is what attracts people to you so why would you create a generic website with all of the excitement of a flat glass of pop. Keep the content fresh so it has Fizz!

12. Most importantly, have realistic expectations of what you want to achieve with your website. With all the hype about overnight successes on the internet it's difficult to put your results into perspective. If you expect instant success and it isn't happening, it's easy to become demoralized and quit before you reach your goal.

[screationz]

Interesting post. Pretty simple, basic stuff yeh but enjoy these types of posts because it can give you a nice refresher course on the basics of getting your content to be well-read and successful.

[Nathan]

These twelve steps are very good advice. They are simple, but most new blogger wouldn't think of these things.

[Mkcoy]

Yeh it's a good primer for amature networkers and still refreshing for pro's to read.
Thanks for sharing. I added them to my Google Reader.

[swillard8]

check! phew, got all 12 right

[niche]

Has anyone noticed that it's the same tips recycled over and over and over again?

[QuirkyJessi]

Originally Posted by niche

Has anyone noticed that it's the same tips recycled over and over and over again?

Yep, it's like that with most "lists," regardless of the specifics. And yet, people still seem to forget some of the biggest points anyway.

[dreamsbox]

very good , thanks

[gary15]

Nice advice, especially content is king. writing unique fresh content on your blog is most importent

[QuirkyJessi]

^ Content definitely is king. It doesn't matter how much you market, if your content isn't good, why would people want to ever come back?